Summer Vacation

Today marks summer break in my house. The kids are still sleeping as it is their first day without school for the next 2 months. (Yes only 2 months and a couple of weeks. It used to be a full 3 months and a few days, but that's changed greatly in Indiana!) So this morning has been a bit lazy. We turned off the alarms last night, dimmed the shades and expected to sleep until it was time to wake up.

And I feel pretty good this morning.

I don't remember how long it has been since I was able to sleep in. Even during our vacation we either had to get up with the kids going to school or we were awakened by the sunshine coming into our tent very early in the morning. Anyway, it's a blessing this morning to sleep in some (even though I woke up at about 6:00 out of habit, but rolled over and went back to sleep!).

But this is not going to be my habit for the summer. O, I'll sleep in every once in a while, but my habit will still to be to get up early and study and write. It's when I get the most done during the day. It's the habit that John Wesley practiced and I have to continue for the sake of my spirit and for the sake of the church!

In The Message, Mark 16:15 is Jesus' commission. "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all."

This is what we have been talking about at COFS, our mission. Jesus didn't say to take care of the believers (that's implied and expected. We are to take great care of one another. Remember Jesus said that others will know who we are by our love for one another!). Our mission in the world is to share what we have learned with those who don't know it yet.

Now I know this is not rocket surgery. We understand what this commission is about. But practice is much more important than principle. Jesus even told a story of two sons each told by their father to go out and work for him. One responded, "yes, I'll go," but he never went. The other said, "I won't do it," but went and did anyway. Action speaks louder than words.

It holds true for the church as well.

I heard at our annual conference reports from churches who are working so hard at evangelism. But the reports from those who know these ministries were not as optimistic. My reply to a pastor/friend who was complaining about this contradiction was simple. We shouldn't "blow our own horn, but let the results speak for themselves."

That's what I'm working towards, results. I don't want recognition for our church in our conference. I don't want to create a video showing what we have done. I want our passion and our success to speak for itself: in lives changed, in mission work being accomplished, in gathering scores of new people for Christ.

Jesus said, "Go!"

So, let's GO!

Peace ><>
pc

ps: Sounds like summer vacation is over!